How to Get a Tax Filing Extension

The IRS understands that some Americans may need more time to gather their tax information together. If you can't meet the typical April 15 deadline to file your federal income tax return, you can get an automatic six-month filing extension from the IRS.

A tax extension gives you extra time to file your federal income tax return and helps avoid a late filing penalty.

However, it does not extend the deadline to pay your taxes. You must still pay any tax due when you ultimately file your return.

Here, we’ll explain how to take advantage of the tax extension, including the various methods to file for your extension. If you still have questions about your tax situation, consider meeting with a tax professional.

Estimate Your Tax Due

Taxpayers must accurately estimate any tax due when they request a federal extension. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will charge interest on any tax liability you don’t pay by the April tax deadline. It will also assess a late payment penalty if you pay less than 90% of your total tax bill by that date.

If you have the money to pay your entire tax bill, you can send it as early as you wish. However, the government doesn’t require you to do this to obtain an extension.

What is the Tax Extension Deadline?

You must apply for your tax extension no later than April 15 (or whatever the filing deadline is for that year.)

The good news is that there are many ways to request your extension. You can even do so online (see below).

Can I File an IRS Extension Myself?

You can certainly file for an extension yourself. After all, it’s your money. This shouldn't be difficult if you typically file form 1040 or 1040EZ.

However, if you have a more complicated tax return, you may want a tax attorney or accountant to help you file. The last thing you want to do is file your request improperly and owe late fees and penalties.

Automatic Tax Extension by Filing or Making a Payment

If you cannot file your tax return by the due date, you should qualify for an automatic six-month extension of time to file. This will allow you to avoid the failure-to-file penalty for not getting your return to the IRS by “Tax Day.”

For example, if your return is due April 15, your tax filing deadline will be pushed back to October 15.

There are two ways to get the automatic extension:

• Using IRS e-file (electronic filing)
• Filing a paper extension form

E-filing Options

You can e-file your extension request in two ways:

• E-file and make a payment:  You can get an automatic tax extension by paying part or all of your estimated tax due using the IRS' Direct Pay service, a credit card, or a debit card. You can do this by telephone or online. (If you use this option, you should not file IRS Form 4868.)
• Complete Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return: If you think you may owe tax when you file your return, use Part II of Form 4868 to estimate your balance due. Use the IRS free file option to file your extension on the agency's website.

Do not send a paper Form 4868 if you request an extension online. You can use a tax software program like TurboTax or ask a tax preparation expert to file electronically. You must provide certain information about your tax return from the previous tax year.

Filing a Paper Form 4868

If you want to request an extension using a paper Form 4868, you must send it to the address on the form. To submit a tax payment with the form, make the check or money order payable to "United States Treasury."

Remember to include your Social Security number, daytime phone number, and tax year, followed by "Form 4868" on your check or money order.

When to File Your Extended Return

The IRS must receive your request before the April 15 due date. Of course, you can file your request as early as you like (after receiving your W-4.)

You can then file your extended return any time before the six-month extension period ends.

Taxpayers Living Outside the U.S.

If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the country or are a resident alien, you automatically receive a two-month extension to file and pay your taxes.

To qualify for this extension, you must meet one of the following conditions on April 15:

• Your residence and your principal place of business or post of duty are outside of the United States (including Puerto Rico)
• You are in the military and on active duty outside of the United States (including Puerto Rico)

Taxpayers living abroad may also file for the standard automatic extension. However, the IRS will only give them an additional four months to file. That means they will have the same October 15 due date as domestic filers with six-month extensions.

Combat Zone Tax Extensions

Military personnel serving in a combat zone have until 180 days after leaving to file, plus the number of days between when they entered the combat zone or special operation and the deadline.

For example, if you are sent to a combat zone 60 days before the April 15 deadline, you have 180 days plus an additional 60 days to file after you exit the combat zone. This extension also applies to hospitalizations from service in a combat zone or special operation.

Disaster Areas

If you live or own a business in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you will receive an automatic extension of your time to file. Unlike a standard extension, the disaster extension also provides an extension for paying any tax due. If you reside or work in a disaster area, the IRS will grant you an automatic extension based on your filing address.

The IRS will usually announce the length of the automatic extension and the revised tax deadline for those who live and work in the affected area within a few weeks of the disaster. For a complete list of disaster area extensions, check out the list the IRS maintains on its website.

File by Phone

You can file for an extension by phone by calling 1-888-796-1074. You can prepare for the call using Form 4868. You should also have a copy of your previous year's federal tax return available.

The IRS will give you a confirmation number to verify that it has accepted your extension request. Keep a copy of this confirmation number somewhere safe. Do not send the form to the IRS.

Paying by Phone or Computer

If you request a tax extension by phone or online, you can also pay your tax bill via an electronic funds transfer withdrawal from your bank account. You must provide the IRS with your bank routing and account numbers. You must also provide your adjusted gross income (AGI) from the prior year's federal income tax return to verify your identity.

Extension-Related Credit Card Payment

You cannot pay the IRS directly by credit card or debit card. You must use one of the card processors listed on the agency's website. You will pay a convenience fee.

What if You Can't Pay?

Do not request a tax extension if your return is complete but you can't pay the tax due. File your return on time and pay as much as you can.

If you are short on cash, you may be eligible to use the IRS free file program based on your income. The IRS will send you a bill for your unpaid taxes.

Is There a Penalty for Filing an Extension on Your Taxes?

There is no penalty or fee for filing an extension. However, the IRS will charge interest if you do not pay your entire tax bill by April 15. In addition, if you pay your bill late, the government will likely charge you late penalties.

Contact the IRS to discuss payment options if you cannot pay the full amount due. The IRS may offer a payment plan you can afford. If so, you will pay interest on the past-due balance. However, a payment plan will help you avoid penalties and collection activity.

Can the IRS Reject an Extension Request?

Technically, the IRS can reject your request for an extension. They may do so for a variety of reasons, including:

• Missing or incorrect details
• Forms are missing or incomplete
• You don’t include payment toward your tax bill
• You don’t file your request by the April 15 deadline

If the government rejects your request, you will have a five-day “perfection period.” The IRS gives you five calendar days to submit a revised application.

Note: If the IRS rejects your extension request due to untimely filing, you do not get a grace period. The government will deem your taxes overdue and will assess interest and penalties.

Remember Your State Taxes

States that collect an income tax operate independently of the IRS. If you don't file your state returns on time, you must make separate arrangements with your state tax authorities.

More Questions? Contact a Tax Lawyer

People request extensions for a host of reasons. You may be having trouble locating your tax documents. Or you may realize too late that you need help filing your taxes. Regardless of the reasons, meeting with a tax professional or tax attorney may be a good idea. They’ll ensure that you file your taxes correctly and, if need be, can help you get a tax extension.